The Bill Simmons Podcast

The discussion kicks off with a recap of thrilling NFL matchups, especially the Cowboys' narrow win. There’s humor in the saturation of football this season, likening it to an all-you-can-eat buffet. They dive into playoff implications and injuries affecting team dynamics. Sam Darnold gets a nod for his impressive comebacks, while the draft landscape shakes up after surprising team performances. The hosts share laughs over betting strategies and reflect on holiday family gatherings, blending sports with personal anecdotes.

Wosny Lambre, a contributor at The Ringer, critiques the NBA Cup's execution and discusses whether Las Vegas is the right venue. He explores how the NBA could better compete for visibility against the NFL. Peter Schrager, a prominent NFL analyst, reflects on the Jets' dysfunction and the implications of coaching changes. He also touches on Patrick Mahomes' injury and the potential underestimated Ravens. Listeners get insights into the upcoming NFL matchups and the latest betting strategies for an eventful season.

Chris Mannix, a seasoned sports reporter for Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports, joins Chris Ryan, a talented writer and podcaster from The Ringer. They dive into the NBA’s ups and downs, dissecting trade rumors and analyzing potential moves, particularly around Jimmy Butler. The duo also shifts gears, eagerly anticipating the Usyk-Fury boxing showdown. Additionally, they discuss Timothée Chalamet's Oscar chances for his portrayal of Bob Dylan and shower praise on the gripping new series 'Landman,' highlighting its blend of captivating storytelling and strong performances.

Cousin Sal, a seasoned sports betting expert, joins to dissect a chaotic day in the NFL. They dive into the Week 15 Bad QB Draft, critiquing lackluster performances from Tua and others. The conversation shifts to standout games like Jaguars vs. Jets and the implications for teams in the playoff race. As they guess the lines for Week 16, humor and insights blend seamlessly. The show wraps up with a heartwarming Parent Corner, where family and sports collide with amusing anecdotes.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons cracks open an NBA six-pack of topics, including possible Jimmy Butler trades, next year out-of-nowhere contenders, an NBA rules tweak, and more (2:58). Then Bill is joined by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham to discuss Bill Belichick becoming the next head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, why Belichick didn’t wait around for an NFL opening, how his philosophy might translate to the college game, and more (25:02). Finally, Bill talks with Joe House about some NBA Cup odds and the NFL weekend slate (1:21:13), before making the Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 15 (1:59:29).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Seth Wickersham and Joe HouseProducers Kyle Crichton and Chia Hao TatThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Jacoby, contributing sports analyst at The Ringer, joins basketball expert Kirk Goldsberry, NFL personality Kyle Brandt, and journalist Craig Horlbeck for a lively discussion. They dive into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominance in the NBA Cup and analyze the implications of the new CBA rules on trades. The conversation shifts to the NFL, comparing quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen while assessing the playoff prospects of struggling teams like the Jets and Steelers. They also highlight impressive rookies and dissect the challenges facing various franchises this season.

Cousin Sal, a regular commentator known for his sharp sports insights, joins the discussion to touch on Juan Soto's big move to the Mets and KC's nail-biting win over the Chargers. The conversation heats up with a breakdown of the game between the Rams and Bills, reflecting on quarterback dynamics and team strategies. They also dive into the bleak state of struggling NFL franchises like the Bears and Raiders. To wrap things up, Sal shares betting predictions for upcoming matchups and the challenges of being a sports fan and parent.

Joe House, a sports and gambling expert from The Ringer, shares his insights on the Lions' exciting matchup against the Packers and the intriguing Bengals' and Ravens' games this week. Meanwhile, Jesse Ventura, the iconic former wrestler and Minnesota governor, opens up about his unexpected return to WWE, his days on set with legendary films like 'Predator', and the challenges of navigating politics and celebrity life. Their conversation blends sports analysis with nostalgic reflections, making for an engaging discussion.

Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst known for his sharp insights, joins for an engaging discussion live from Denver. They celebrate Nikola Jokic's incredible performance and the Nuggets’ recent NBA victory. The conversation touches on NBA biases, a new Worry Scale for teams, and a playful sports-themed 'would you rather.' Ryen shares his top five movie girlfriends, leading to nostalgic reflections. The duo also debates the greatest basketball players across decades while examining evolving player dynamics, making for a lively and entertaining dialogue.

Cousin Sal, a sports commentator known for his sharp insights, joins the discussion to analyze the NFL landscape. They dissect Josh Allen's MVP chances and the struggles of the 49ers this season. The duo provides a lively critique of several games, including the Ravens and Eagles showdown. They also explore Russell Wilson's resurgence and speculate on the league's worst head coach. Wrapping up, they share predictions for the upcoming games, leaving listeners with plenty to think about.